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Thank You, Hon’ble Prime Minister — Yet, a Call to Speak Up for the Christian community

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The visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi, on Christmas Day —particularly at a time when attacks on Christians, places of worship, and traditional religious symbols have been reported – can be perceived as a reassuring signal to the Christian community. It can suggest that the Government of the day and the political leadership of the National Democratic Alliance-led Union Government stand with the Christian community of India.

While welcoming this gesture by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) places on record its repeated earnest appeal to the Government of India and its NDA allies to unequivocally distance themselves from acts of violence and intimidation perpetrated by ill-informed miscreants. The NCCI calls upon the Government to condemn such attacks on the Christian community in the strongest possible terms and to initiate suo motu and decisive police action against those responsible. Such steps alone will ensure that the goodwill gestures extended by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on Christmas Day, and by other representatives of the ruling dispensation on various other occasions, are seen as meaningful commitments rather than symbolic appearances.

The NCCI firmly believes that clear and strong statements, coupled with prompt action from the highest authorities of the Government, will send an unambiguous message within the country. At a time when India seeks to emerge as a strong and responsible global economic power, such actions will also reassure the international community that India stands resolutely by its constitutional values and will not allow any individual or group to act with impunity, regardless of political proximity or alignment.

The NCCI expresses its sincere gratitude to all individuals, communities, leaders, and representatives from various political parties and organisations who have stood in solidarity with the Christian community during these difficult times, especially amid the recent attacks around Christmas. We reaffirm the Christian community’s unwavering commitment to work alongside all citizens in building a strong and united India, resisting any attempt from any quarter to undermine the spirit of the nation or its cherished secular character.

Jai Hind. Long live India.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)

Christmas 2025: Nurturing the promise of liberation

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Every child has a sparkle in the eye – the promise of a bright future. Those in critical and challenging circumstances and contexts, have this a lot more prominent. When identified and nurtured the promise is sustained and realised.

The Christmas story is one such narrative where a child in a challenging circumstance was acknowledged and affirmed. Thanks to a beleaguered Mary and a battered Joseph, related to each other only on working out God’s purposes for Life, a liberator was born – Hallelujah !

Promises abound, in and around. In every challenging and critical context there are a million liberators. Let us, even as, battered Individuals and groups, and beleaguered communities of faiths and ideologies, affirm and acknowledge such promises in and around us – preserving the legacy that life is born in affliction, persisting in the faith that small beginnings yield big, and persevering in the tradition that serving ‘the least’ is service to God.

Children in conflicts, war zones, displaced communities and contexts, disease and depravity, and in today’s context disenfranchisement; gender non-conforming children, children who are sexually violated – despite attempts to rob them of it, they still have that sparkle in their eye.

We will do well this Christmas to focus on committing afresh to the least of these brothers and sisters and friends of Jesus in nurturing the promise of liberation. While working on changing the world to be a better place, lets begin with and alongside many a ‘Christ-child’ in every context

Unto us a child is born . . . at the first Christmas and always – Hallelujah !

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

Tribute to Mr. Rajakara Rao

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With deep sorrow and profound respect, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) mourns the passing Mr. Rajakara Rao on 2nd December 2025. He was a devoted servant of God and a committed leader of the Convention of Baptist Churches of Northern Circars (CBCNC) and also, a General Body Member of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) for almost 15 years.  

Mr. Rajakara Rao’s life was a testimony of faith, humility, and unwavering dedication to the CBCNC mission and its unity. As a representative of CBCNC, he stood as a bridge-builder between communities, always emphasizing the call of Christ to serve with compassion, justice, and love. His contributions to NCCI will be remembered with gratitude and honor.

We give thanks to God for his fruitful life and faithful service. Though we grieve his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he now rests in the eternal peace of Christ whom he served so faithfully.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, and the CBCNC community. May God’s comfort and strength surround them during this time of sorrow.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

India: A Composite Entity with a Plural Identity

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) reaffirms that India is a composite entity with a plural identity, shaped by centuries of civilizational encounters, cultural exchange, and religious diversity.

The NCCI expresses deep concern over the recent remarks reportedly made by Shri Mohan Bhagwat, suggesting that India has a single “core” culture that is exclusively Hindu and that there are no “ahindus” in the country. Such a characterization is historically inaccurate and socially divisive. It overlooks the composite fabric of Indian society — a fabric woven through the shared lives, histories, and traditions of numerous communities, belief systems, and linguistic families across the subcontinent.

India’s national identity is not derived from any one religion or culture but from the interweaving of many. The genius of India lies in its ability to integrate difference, not erase it; to affirm diversity, not homogenize it. The secular and democratic framework of the Indian Constitution enshrines this vision by guaranteeing freedom of conscience, faith, and expression to all citizens.

The NCCI therefore urges the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Culture and allied institutions, to safeguard and promote this pluralistic ethos. Efforts that equate the idea of India with any single religious identity or a core culture undermine the constitutional values of equality and secularism that hold the nation together.

On behalf of the Protestant and Orthodox Christian communities, representing nearly 19 million citizens, the NCCI pledges its commitment to uphold the secular and inclusive character of India. On November 26th — Constitution Day — we call upon all citizens, irrespective of faith or ideology, to join in affirming that we are one in many, and many in one.

India’s strength lies in its unity through diversity — a vision that must continue to inspire and guide the conscience of the nation.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary.

Persisting in service . . .

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On the occasion of completing 78 years as citizens of a free country the Orthodox and Protestant Christian community in India, as always and despite all odds, commits itself to persist in service to the nation.

Recognising the travails and the sacrifices of the generation that lived through the struggles of the freedom movement, we salute the generations of people who continue through toil and struggle to protect the independence that was dearly fought and wrested.

That peoples of all communities, ethnicities and faith affiliations fought shoulder to shoulder in securing freedom from colonial rule is recognised and celebrated. Resisting the occupiers, almost every one celebrated the freedom born at midnight – that which they dreamt of for over a century.

Attacks from all quarters to transgress boundaries of nations abound in different forms and continue to undermine the sovereignty of the peoples of countries around the globe.

In India we have tried to deal with these in the recent past by amending finance laws and those that relate to internal security. We have tried to balance trade deficit ; we have incentivised and promoted in-country manufacturing; we have also tried to step up exports of quality goods and services. We have grown as a major player in the world arena both in economics and in global geo -political positioning.

In the race to emerge as a global player we had to contend with dissatisfaction and discontent back home. In a bid to assert ourselves we passed new stringent legislation and amended old ones to tighten ‘internal security’.

We cannot however escape the truth that this process has unfortunately led to the alienation of the less privileged and minority communities leading to mutual suspicion of communities and a growing mistrust in general. Despite these setbacks communities have held together and faced challenges with greater resolve than ever before.

On the august occasion of the anniversary of the Indian Independence we join all those well meaning citizens of this country, of all faith and ideological communities, in committing to a common future in which no one is left behind and life of every one beginning from the least of all is affirmed to flourishing.

It is our desire that everyone is counted, the rights of all affirmed, justice knows no favourites, all communities are represented proportionately and adequately, and rules are written or rewritten not on majoritarian terms but as just and fair to all.

We commit as citizens first and second to none, wilfully adhering to the Christian faith on account of a constitutional right available to all citizens irrespective of caste and creed, to ‘persist’ in service to all peoples in general and to the last, the least and the lost in particular.

We commit to voice our concern, and add constructively to all similar voices that speak up for the transgressed and the violated. We look for strengthening the role of the masses in governance, the much cherished sovereignty of the least.

We affirm that “nobody’s free unless everybody’s free” (Fannie Lou Hamer). We continue to echo for everyone, with Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”.

God bless India

Jai Hind !

Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary NCCI

Chhattisgarh Nuns Case: Government of India Intervention Sought

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Repeated attempts to secure the release of the arrested nuns in Chhattisgarh have proved futile. Leaders from the Churches in India as well as those in the civil society have condemned the arrest of the two nuns in Chhattisgarh last Friday and demanded their immediate release. The leadership of the National Council of Churches in India echoes these sentiments and calls on the Government of India to hear the call of the Indian Christian Community and URGENTLY intervene in this and several such instances of actions against members of the Christian community, both in the practice of faith and the discharge of their ministerial calling.

It is common knowledge that it is the essential calling of the Christian Communities individually and jointly, also through their Churches and Christian organisations their staff and the faithful, to be involved in such humanitarian work the world over and mostly among communities that are historically discriminated and socially disadvantaged. It is unfortunate that such acts motivated by love for fellow citizens from weak and vulnerable communities, and often aimed at aiding the States initiatives including schemes such as ‘beti balchão beti padao’ to address those who are falling through the gaps, is sought to be criminalised.

Media is filled with news of violence against Christians in different parts of the country. Most of these attacks are on Christians that are simply practicing their religion, the religion of their choice, and congregating in designated places for peaceful conduct of prayers. In almost all cases the Christian Communities have been doing these with no ill-will and within the ambit of the law of the land. It is deplorable that violence is unleashed by ‘mobs’ on such peaceful assembly and practice of faith of one’s choice, oftentimes with the state-machinery standing by as helpless onlookers or silently consenting. It is even more distressing to see women and children being attacked.

More and more states, the latest being the state of Maharashtra, threaten to and eventually enact laws to ‘protect’ Freedom of Religion and Belief. These, adding to those that already exist in 11 states across the country have only alienated minority communities further, and provided ammunition for harassment of the community often in the hands of mobs aided by the absence of the state in the active discharge of it’s duties to protect the attacked.

The long-standing issue of making the 1950 Presidential order religion-neutral, the evading peace in the state of Manipur which continues to be detrimental to the Christian Community, delayed filling of vacancies in the Minorities related Commissions continue to be issues that the Christian community is affected with. Calls to rein in leaders who delivered inflammatory hate speeches against Christians also were not heeded to.

The National Council of Churches in India the official mandated body representing the Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India is deeply committed in engaging with the Government in finding a solution to these vexed issues of communities blaming each other and the minorities among them being harassed. We urge the Government of India to address and contain all forces that seek to polarise religious communities and work on synergising the strengths of organisations of religious and social communities in achieving a higher index of Gross National Happiness and thereby better economic growth and eradication of poverty, malnutrition and hunger reflected in all social parameters and their indicators.

We urge the Government of India, one more time, to engage with the official bodies of the Christian communities in India such as the National Council of Churches in India and it’s sister bodies to deal substantially and conclusively with all outstanding issues relating to christians, in order that the credibility of this nation’s plural being and it’s ethos of unity in diversity is further affirmed and celebrated. We stand committed as always to the growth of the nation and her people, and to the express resolve of the Governments for inclusive growth and building a strong future for the people of India.

God bless India. May the current session of the Parliament bring prosperity and peace to all peoples of the land. We look forward to the IMMEDIATE release of the arrested sisters, and all others in custody for the practice of their Chrsitian faith and discharge of their responsibilities in Christian mission.

PAHALGAM: ANOTHER BLOT ON HUMANITY

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses its deepest sorrow and unequivocally condemn this heinous act of terror in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians and left many others injured. We believe there is no justification for targeting innocent lives, and such brutality must be met with unwavering resolve and unity.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the victims and their families, offering our prayers and support in this time of profound grief. Our hearts mourn for those who have lost their lives while seeking rest and beauty in one of the most peaceful corners of our nation.

No faith, tradition, or ideology can ever justify the taking of innocent lives. The ideology of hatred, is a direct affront to the sacredness of life and the divine call to love our neighbors. This tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need to reject violence and work together—across faiths, cultures, and borders—for a future defined not by fear, but by peace, justice, and mutual respect.

As a nation, we must remain united in our stand against terror. Let us honor the memory of those lost by recommitting ourselves to building a world rooted in compassion, justice, and enduring peace.

We call upon all communities, religious leaders, and political authorities to rise above the situation and recommit to the sacred task of reconciliation with justice. Let this sorrow move us not to despair, but to action—for a world where such violence is no more.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

May Peace Prevail!

Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer

General Secretary

Pope Francis: A Bridge of Hope Across Faiths and Borders; A Shepherd of Justice, Peace, Inclusivity and Compassion

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) joins the global Christian community and all people of goodwill in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a shepherd whose legacy of compassion, inclusion, and justice has left an indelible mark on our world.

Pope Francis stood as a firm and unwavering voice against war and violence. He condemned the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, as well as the Russian and Ukraine war. His passionate plea for peace, dignity, and justice for all peoples—Palestinians and Israelis alike—challenged the conscience of the world. He reminded us that true faith cannot be separated from the cry of the oppressed and the suffering of the innocent.

Pope Francis stood as a compassionate advocate for the protection and dignity of migrants, calling it a “duty of civilisation.” He condemned the rising tide of anti-immigration politics around the world and urged governments and societies to recognize the humanity of those seeking refuge and a better life. His commitment to the care of the displaced, the poor, and the vulnerable continues to be a challenge to all nations and peoples.

Pope Francis will be remembered not only as a visionary spiritual leader but also as a prophetic voice of love and inclusion. His pastoral embrace of the LGBTQI+ community as “children of God” invited churches everywhere to walk more faithfully in the path of Christ, who welcomed the outcast and broke down barriers of discrimination. His courageous stance encouraged many across denominations to re-examine the meaning of grace, belonging, and the radical hospitality of the Gospel.

One of Pope Francis’s most enduring contributions was his tireless pursuit of interfaith harmony. He extended hands of friendship and dialogue to leaders of many faith traditions, fostering relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common longing for peace. From his messages of unity with Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Muslims, he called all of humanity to see one another as brothers and sisters.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable servant of God, we offer our deepest condolences to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), to the global family of the Catholic Church, and to all who drew hope from his life and witness. We pray that his legacy will continue to inspire our shared ecumenical journey toward justice, peace, and inclusive community.

May the God of Peace receive him in eternal rest, and may his memory be a blessing and a call to action.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India

EASTER 2025: Calling the bluff, bouncing back with zing…

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Events that unfolded on that First ‘Easter’ Day are reminiscent of individuals and communities bouncing back to life.

This bouncing back with zing comes alive in the contexts of the stories in which the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the disciples going back to their previous contexts, and a distraught Mary, were face to face with the reality of a ‘possibility of possibilities’.

At this realisation the stories of a beleaguered, battered, battle-worn christ-community that was withdrawing from action, feigning a ‘time-up’ context, comes Alive !!!!

Every situation around us today expresses a ‘There Is No Alternative (TINA)’ syndrome, while Easter calls the bluff and helps bounce back with ‘There are A Thousand Alternatives (TATA)’. History is replete with umpteen such instances of bouncing back.

This ‘dead with Jesus and rising with him’ experience, challenges death and the grave – O death where is your sting, O grave where your victory… (I Cor. 15: 55). It joyfully proclaims, Blessed be the name of our God who gives us victory through Jesus Christ (I Cor 15: 57).

May this jubilant cry that supposes a sense of victory while yet under subjugation, energise us and all christ-communities, to call the bluff and help bounce back as we seek to serve God as christ-communities that are critically conscious and contextually relevant.

Current contexts are quite complicated, and seem irreparable. Yet ‘miracles happen all the time’. Saturday is silent and long… Easter however is an ever present promise of all times.

Happy Easter Hope ! Let’s bounce back with zing ! Let’s make it happen ! Everyday….

Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

At 75: Recognising the time of God’s favour

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India wakes up today brimming with hope as we her citizens celebrate 75 years of collective dignity and self-respect. As a young democracy and a vibrant Republic we have done well to rally around each other and hold our heads high.

While on this day we come out in our best, we do not forget the responsibility that is reposed on each of us jointly and severally in order to see that the smiles with which we pose today are real in the life of the least of our fellow-citizens.

We stood up to being bullied, we rallied around each other  during the worst of calamities, we had each others back to overcome our failings, and we depended on each other to set governments in power.

At this time of celebrating our common heritage, we commit to uphold the trust we have in the wisdom of each other, the collective strength of our varied faith experiences and ideological expressions, and the passion that we have to be among the first of the nations.

This dream can be ‘dearer’ than distant when we learn to hold up the least and the last among us as the most important, and design a polity that protects their right and ensures their personal and spatial safety.

Rhetoric and actions that continue to demonise the ‘other’ and terrorise the least do not quite pave the way to where we want to be; they at best create more mistrust and perpetuate polarisation.

It is time we the common citizens identify together the elephant in the room, the wolf in sheep skin, and set the house in order so that we can last for many more years to come.

It is time to affirm the democratic principles not just toy with numbers, the visible expression of a secular state that is equidistant from all religious traditions, and the enhancement of the naturally prevailing goodwill and harmony of all peoples in every neighbourhood.

It is time to be ahead of the curve with all well meaning citizens of the country and consciously start cultivating the spirit of India, concertedly identify and nurture selfless leaders for the future, build a consensus people’s vision of the nation, and plan a time-bound strategic framework to realise the dream.

It is time to harness the spirit of building a New International Financial and Economic Architecture that ushers in a measurable inclusive development where the sovereignty of the least prevails

It is time to reawaken the literary and cultural legacy of the peoples of the varied landscape breaking forth into a renaissance of liberation

It is time to pay forward the sacrificial grace that we have received from our forebears and ensure to the future generations the idea of India that was handed down to us

It is time to ward off our shackles and walk free into the streets of our motherland singing songs of liberation dancing to usher the era that will know no fear

Now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation

God bless India

Jai Hind !

Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India